Zero turn mower advice

[RjCorazza]

I use to run the big box store mowers, they lasted on average about two to three years before the engines started failing, all air-cooled. My Kubota dealer sent out a ZD232 for me to try (this is back in 2012), and I'm still running it. It cuts about 4 acres per session. I'm never going back to gas, gas engines are just too much effort compared to diesel.

What I considered, even though the ZD was big bucks (I think I paid around 12 grand for it back in 2012), is longevity. If I bought the ZD, how long will it last? I've been cutting with it for 10 years and all I do to it is scheduled maintenance. It sips fuel compared to the gassers and I am just about at the break-even point if still buying big-box mowers.

If that ZD21 has had scheduled maintenance, I'd snap it up in a heartbeat. 950 hours on a diesel is nothing.

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All that, plus diesel fuel handling is just easier than gas. The op doesn't have any other diesels, so I can see the hesitation.
I "converted" my backup zd326 to slope duty by adding Chevron type tires, and filling them with 140lbs total of fluid. It sticks pretty well on slopes now.
I have been really tempted to get a Cyclone like yours for fall leaves. How do you like it?

 

[metalbender]

If you're looking, you owe it to yourself to test drive a Toro with the MyRide seat system. Bought a Titan 60 with that seat after a two minute test at the dealer. Didn't take long to convince me after using the Deines for a few years.

 

[Number15]

I purchased a used Grasshopper diesel with 600+ hours. It works great, you should check them out if you have a dealer near by.
Mine is a 2004 but it is in great shape.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I would look into a Gravely, I have 2 of the ZT HD series and both have been very good, both have the Kawasaki engines one is 10 and the other is 11 years old and have been trouble free except a starter selenoid on one and a belt on the other, the HD model is in the middle not a homeowner bottom end model and not a full commercial model. Gravely is usually always offering some sort of 0% financing if that interest's you, good luck on whatever you choose.

 

[JJT]

I have a 20 year old ZD21, with about 800 hours on it. No issues, ever. I fully expect it to outlive me, (I'm 60). I'd buy another in a heart beat.

 

[xtal01]

Thanks so very much for all the info!

Just trying to spend my money wisely.

It took me 10 years to build the house and now I am in the middle of building a 4500 sq ft workshop by myself. At 59, with some luck this will be the last one I build.

I drive a 36 year old truck that I paid $1000 for 5 years ago (even came with a snow plow) ... just hurts spending so much on a mower.

I am a machinist by trade and work on just about anything (since moving to VT, seems I have touched every type of farm equipment made).

I am usually pretty handy ... my wife has been paralyzed since she was 12 .. I built and elevator out the mast of an old forklift ($40K to buy .... $2K to build).

Here are some videos of the shop build youtube shop build videos

Thanks !!!!!!!!

Mike

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I would run your old lawn tractor and keep an eye out for a good used commercial zero turn. If you keep your eye out you will probably be able to find one in your price range with 500 hours or less. Brand is likely not terribly important as long as it's a legit commercial unit. The air filter should be a large cartridge unit mounted remotely, not integrated into the engine shroud. Typically the gas ones will go around 1,000 hours before issues beyond easily replaced components, belts, blades, maybe a pully or a spindle, etc. I don't know about the diesels, I would expect the engine to go way farther than that but components should wear the same as gas ones, hydro motors and pumps etc.

 

[stevem5215]

Shop transmission first. Spend as much as you can afford on a good quality transmission in the tractor or ZTR you want. A dealer should be able to help you find one in good shape. The thing to remember is that the big box places all use lower quality components in their machines to meet the price points. That's the compromise you get buying there along with no service at the shop. You'll pay to fix it mostly.

As for me, I bought a Simplicity ZTR with full suspension. That thing is great. It uses the ZT3400 trans in them. I have another ZTR Simplicity I bought before this one. It has ZT2800's in it. Both high quality transmissions that will last a long long time.

 

[RalphVa]

Ryobi: no gas, no oil, no belts, no gear boxes, no transmissions.

 

[xtal01]

I am sure in a few years that is what we will all have. Batteries ... run time ... charge time ... if they could work I would try one.